CT eyes more nuclear energy capabilities for future. Here’s what that could mean

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is planning on holding a public information workshop with nationally recognized experts as the state eyes more nuclear development capabilities in the future.

DEEP officials said this is the third workshop under an informational process announced last year to explore nuclear energy in Connecticut to offset high electric costs and curb carbon emissions, which are the main contributor to climate change.

The workshop will focus on fusion energy, an emerging technology that has attracted growing national and international interest because of its potential to provide safe, carbon-free electricity. Fusion machines do not rely on the same process as traditional nuclear fission reactors and have different fuel cycles, waste streams, and safety characteristics, officials said.

Nuclear fusion, the same process that powers the sun, has undergone several advancements in the last few years, according to DEEP. In 2022, the process was replicated for the first time in a laboratory in California.

Fusion is widely viewed as one of the most potentially transformative energy technologies under development because it could provide abundant, around-the-clock electricity with a small land footprint and without the air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuels, according to scientists. But despite laboratory progress, scientists say we are still decades away from fusion being used to power the grid.

“Fusion technologies have the potential to become a transformational source of always-on, carbon-free energy, and Connecticut wants to be prepared to evaluate those opportunities thoughtfully and responsibly,” DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. “By bringing national experts together with Connecticut communities and stakeholders, we can help ensure that residents and policymakers have the information they need to make informed decisions about the role these technologies may play in our energy future.”

The third public informational meeting will be held on May 13 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. as a hybrid meeting with both in-person and remote options. In-person attendance will be at the Gina McCarthy Auditorium at DEEP’s headquarters at 79 Elm St. in Hartford. Anyone that wants to attend online must register by May 12 at ctdeep.zoom.us.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.